By This Is Topeka Staff
October 26, 2025
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed Friday that it will not issue SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefits beginning November 1, citing what it called a lapse in federal funding.
In a statement posted on USDA.gov, the department wrote:
“Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.”
The partisan language of the announcement stunned advocates and community leaders nationwide, who note that nearly 42 million Americans rely on SNAP, including more than 200,000 Kansans. For many, those benefits are the difference between keeping food on the table and going hungry.
Now, with just days before the new month begins, local food banks and churches are bracing for an unprecedented surge in demand.
Local Response: “This Is When Neighbors Step Up”
In Shawnee County, the food-pantry network has mobilized to fill the gap. Dozens of community organizations, churches, and nonprofits already serve thousands of households each month—and they expect that number to spike in early November.
Below is a directory of verified local food pantries and assistance programs compiled by This Is Topeka from local partners and the Harvesters Food Network (updated July 2025). Readers are encouraged to call ahead, as hours and requirements can change.
Food Pantries and Meal Programs – Shawnee County
Breadbasket Food Pantry
708 SE Lime St. | (785) 354-7262
Open Mon-Wed-Fri 9 a.m.–12 p.m. | Photo ID required
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
234 S. Kansas Ave | (785) 233-6300
Open Mon, Tue, Thu 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Wed 12–4 p.m.
Doorstep, Inc.
1119 SW 10th | (785) 357-5341
Client services Mon 10–1:30 | Tue–Fri 9–1:30
I Care Food Pantry
2914 SE Michigan | (785) 267-5910
Mon–Fri 8:30–11:15 a.m. | Proof of address & SS cards required
Let’s Help, Inc.
245 SW MacVicar | (785) 234-6208
Open Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Community lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Salvation Army
1320 SE 6th Ave | (785) 233-9648
Tues & Thurs 9–11 a.m. and 1–3 p.m.
Topeka Rescue Mission
401 NW Norris | (785) 354-1744
Community food distribution Tues & Thurs 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (Drive-thru)
Southside Filling Station (SENT)
455 SE Golf Park Blvd, Suite 119 | (785) 783-2535
Tues 9:30–11:30 a.m. | Wed 12–2 p.m. | Thurs 3:30–7:30 p.m.
No proof of income required | Fresh produce, meat, eggs & hygiene supplies
Be Filled of South Topeka
200 Airport Rd Bldg 818 | (785) 861-0766
Tues 6–8:30 p.m. | Sat 10 a.m.–Noon
Bods Feeding Bods (Washburn University)
Kuehne Hall Room 101 | [email protected]
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8–12 & 1–4 | Closed Wed/Sat/Sun
Community Action Mobile Food Pantries
(785) 836-4500 | Auburn & Rossville locations
Drive-thru times at harvesters.org
How to Help
- Donate: Food, hygiene items, and funds are needed more than ever.
- Volunteer: Call any pantry above to learn about same-day or weekend shifts.
- Spread the word: Post this list. Knock on a neighbor’s door. Ask if they have food for the week.
- Advocate: Contact Kansas senators and representatives urging bipartisan support for restoring SNAP and WIC funding.
Editorial Note
While political blame will continue to dominate Washington headlines, the reality here in Topeka is far simpler: families are about to go hungry.
The federal government may argue about who’s responsible, but tonight, volunteers are stocking shelves and neighbors are preparing to share what little they have.
Until funding resumes, our local safety net is us.
